Family Practice Attending 

How did you get your current job?
referral from another resident

What was the application process?
resume, paper/electronic application, interview

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
I interviewed with the chairman of family practice in Jamaica hospital as well as the chairman of ambulatory care, each separately. Each lasted approx 15 minutes, and very laid back

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
What made you want to become a doctor? Why do you want to work for us? Do you eventually plan to open your own practice? What do you plan on accolpishing working with us? What are your hobbies?

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
Throughout residency, I worked in the hospitals outpatient clinic managing patients. I also saw patients in the pediatric and ob/gyn clinics, as well as the emergency department. I was also able to rotate through various electives.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
I went through 4 years of undergraduate university, then 4 years of medical school. I then completed a i year rotating internship and 2 years of family practice residency. My residency exposed my to both inpatient and outpatient hospital care.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
I feel my educational backround prepared me for my job. I think 4 years of medical school (having to pass 3 different board examinations) and 3 years of residency (1 board certification exam)is more than enough.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
Internship is basically your first year of residency. It involoves the same duties, with more responsibilities as one progresses.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
First to complete their residency. In their last year, begin looking for work 6 months prior to graduation. Apply for licensce, dea, insurances, during their final year of residency.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
The primary goal of medicine is patient care. I think that entails having social skills to interact with your patient and have them feel comfortable. Obviously, some technical skills are needed for certain procedures in the office, and good organizational skills are needed to deal with all the paperwork(ex billing, insurance companies, authorizations).

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Definnatley require the 4 years of medical school and residency training.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
With the advent of more managed care, and decreasing salaries for family practice physicians, I think it is imperative you MUST like what you are doing. It is a long process to get to this point.